The Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) has officially postponed the application process for the much-anticipated RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) Recruitment 2025. Initially set to begin on April 10, 2025, the online application window will now open on April 12, 2025. This announcement was made through an official notice on the RRB portal, which also confirmed that the last date for submitting applications remains unchanged at May 11, 2025.
This recruitment drive comes with a total of 9,970 vacancies for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot across various RRB zones in India, presenting a golden opportunity for many aspiring candidates. The selection process will be rigorous, consisting of multiple stages including Computer Based Test (CBT) 1, CBT 2, Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBAT), document verification, and a medical examination.
For candidates eager to apply, the RRB has emphasized the importance of Aadhaar-based verification during the application process. This requirement aims to streamline the verification of candidates' identities and reduce delays during subsequent stages of recruitment. Candidates must ensure that their Aadhaar details, including their name and date of birth, match exactly with their Class 10 certificate to avoid any complications.
The age limit for applicants is set between 18 to 30 years as of July 1, 2025. There are provisions for age relaxation for reserved categories: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (NCL), and 10 years for PwBD candidates, in accordance with government regulations.
To qualify for the Assistant Loco Pilot position, candidates must meet specific educational requirements. Eligible candidates should have completed Class 10 and possess either an ITI diploma in a relevant trade, a three-year diploma in engineering in a related field, or an engineering degree in a pertinent discipline.
The application fee structure is designed to be accessible. General and OBC candidates will need to pay Rs 500, with Rs 400 refundable upon appearing for CBT 1. For SC, ST, PwBD, female candidates, ex-servicemen, and others, the fee is Rs 250, which will also be refunded after attending CBT 1.
The selection process will commence with CBT 1, which consists of 75 questions and lasts for one hour. It covers subjects such as mathematics, reasoning, general science, and general awareness. The minimum qualifying marks are set at 40% for unreserved candidates, 30% for OBC and SC, and 25% for ST candidates. It's important to note that there will be negative marking of 1/3 for each incorrect answer in both CBT 1 and CBT 2.
Following CBT 1, candidates who qualify will take CBT 2, which is divided into two parts. Part A consists of 100 questions on general subjects and lasts for 90 minutes, while Part B includes 75 questions from the relevant trade syllabus and lasts for 60 minutes. Part B has a flat qualifying criterion of 35% for all categories, while candidates must achieve a minimum score of 42 marks in the CBAT to qualify, regardless of their category.
The RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 is particularly significant for those who could not apply in the previous cycle or did not succeed in CBT 1. With a streamlined application process and a transparent selection methodology, candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly and ensure that all necessary documents and Aadhaar information are accurate before applying.
Moreover, the RRB has released a detailed zone-wise breakdown of vacancies, highlighting the distribution of positions across various regions. The vacancies are as follows: Madhya Railway has 376 posts, Eastern Railway has 868 posts, Southern Railway has 510 posts, Western Railway has 885 posts, South Eastern Railway has 921 posts, Northern Railway has 521 posts, Northeast Frontier has 125 posts, East Central Railway has 700 posts, North Central Railway has 508 posts, West Central Railway has 759 posts, South East Central has 568 posts, South Central Railway has 989 posts, North Eastern Railway has 100 posts, North Western Railway has 679 posts, and Metro Railway Kolkata has 225 posts.
As the application date approaches, candidates are advised to keep an eye on the official RRB website for updates and further details. The initial pay for the Assistant Loco Pilot position is set at ₹19,900 per month, making it an attractive opportunity for many job seekers.
In conclusion, the RRB ALP Recruitment 2025 offers a significant chance for young individuals looking to build a career with the Indian Railways. With a clear timeline, structured selection process, and ample vacancies, aspiring candidates should be ready to seize this opportunity.
